“Now I am here and I am very happy. I want to thank all of the people who made this come true.”

Rudiger is aware that he faces a different kind of challenge in England to that he has previously overcome in Germany and Italy.

The 24-year-old is relishing the tests which lie ahead and is excited to be opening a new chapter in his career, having helped his country to Confederations Cup success over the summer

He added: “I cannot say much about the Premier League because I did not experience it yet.

“But the Italian league is more tactical. You don’t have open games but here in England it is different, both teams are attacking the whole time so that is the main big difference, and of course the physical aspect in England.

“I think the whole league is a big challenge so I need to be prepared for each game.”